Italy 2-1 Mexico: A perfect 3 points for Italy

Pirlo scored in his 100th game for the Italian national team. The Azzurri shed their habit of slow starts to open the 2013 Confederations Cup with a victory, sealed by Balotelli's 2-1 win. A perfect match for the Azzurri.

Balotelli sealed the 2-1 victory for Italy.

Fans already accustomed to Italy's lackluster start to major tournaments can easily understand why, as early as the 11th minute, Mexico sent shivers down the spines of their fans with Guardado's shot from a tight angle that narrowly missed the crossbar. That was Mexico's first real threat, and it fairly accurately reflected the dynamics of the first half.

Italy played without flair. They only had two attacking tactics that they used repeatedly: either Pirlo would launch long balls to the forwards, or Balotelli would use his speed to create breakthroughs. But even though they didn't play as impressively as Mexico, the Italians scored first.

In the 27th minute, from a free kick about 22 meters from the Mexican goal, Pirlo curled a beautiful shot straight into the top corner of the Corona net. 1-0 for Italy and a wonderful celebration for Andrea Pirlo personally in his 100th match for the Azzurri.

But the Italians' joy was short-lived. Exactly seven minutes later, Barzagli clumsily dribbled the ball close to his own penalty area before Dos Santos intercepted it. In a desperate situation, Barzagli committed a foul, resulting in a penalty. Unfortunately, Chicharito didn't miss the opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot.

The conceded goal served as a wake-up call for Italy, and their change was evident from the start of the second half. Completely different from the first 45 minutes, the Azzurri played the second half as the true favorites. They controlled possession more, launched more relentless attacks, and their tactics changed entirely.

While Italy had previously used Pirlo as a central playmaker, in the second half the ball was directed more towards the flanks, significantly increasing effectiveness. Giaccherini breached Mexico's wing defenses more than once, penetrating the penalty area. Unfortunately, there was a slight lack of accuracy in his crucial crosses. Italy's best chance came from Pirlo's free-kick in the 59th minute, which narrowly missed the post.

However, Italy's overwhelming dominance ultimately led to a turning point in the match. In the 78th minute, from a not-so-perfect assist from a teammate, Balotelli bravely sprinted past two Mexican defenders, stretched out, and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Corona.

No surprises occurred in the remaining time of the match. The Italian team won, in a game where Pirlo had a sweet moment, and the Azzurri secured their first three points at the 2013 Confederations Cup.

STARTING LINEUP
Italy:Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Sciglio; De Rossi, Pirlo, Montolivo; Marchisio (Cerci, 68'), Giaccherini (Aquilani, 88'); Balotelli (Gilardino, 86').
Mexico:Corona; Flores, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido; Torrado, Aquino (Mier, 53'); Zavala (Jimenez, 86'), Dos Santos, Guardado; Chicharito.

According to Bongdaplus - National Team